Cost of low pay rises

A FREDDO bar has soared 200% in price in 18 years, topping a list of inflation-hit goods and services.

In 2000, it cost 10p, today it is 30p, says MoneySuperMarket’s study highlighting low pay rises.

In 18 years average salaries rose by 24%, from £23,000 to £28,600.

Yet electricity bills went up 133%, from £238 to £554 and house prices, 132% to £226,000.

In 2000 the old £10 note, being phased out this week, held the equivalent value of £16.51 today.

MoneySuperMarket’s Sally Francis-Miles said: “With relatively stagnant wages, it’s no wonder families feel more squeezed.”